Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/7149
Title: Coastal erosion in Ghana: causes, policies, and management
Authors: Jonah, Fredrick Ekow
Mensah, Emmanuel Abeashi
Edziyie, Regina Esi
Agbo, Nelson Winston
Adjei-Boateng, Daniel
Keywords: Climate change
Coastal erosion
Coastal management
Shoreline change
Issue Date: 2016
Publisher: University of Cape Coast
Abstract: Coastal erosion is a serious problem that affects the safety and livelihoods of many coastal dwellers along Ghana’s coast. Despite the fact that coastal erosion is a natural phenomenon, erosion trends have been largely aggravated by human-induced factors. This study analyzed shoreline change rates for three neighbouring coastal communities in the Central region of Ghana; Elmina, Cape Coast and Moree. Two epochs were analyzed, 1974–2012 (medium-term) and 2005–2012 (short-term), using ArcGIS and Digital Shoreline Analysis System. Overall, the entire study area recorded average shoreline change rates of ¡1.24 myear¡1 and ¡0.85 myear¡1 in the medium term and short-term period respectively. Less consolidated shoreline segments recorded higher erosion rates in both periods while cliffs and rocky segments experienced very little erosion or high stability. Because shorelines undergoing chronic erosion do not fully recover after short-term erosion events such as storms, facilities located close to such shorelines are threatened. Taking a proactive approach to coastal erosion management, such as coastal sand mining prevention, inter-sectoral land use management and adopting a construction setback approach may be prudent for the long-term management of the coast since this recognizes future shoreline changes and safeguards coastal landscape for other uses
Description: 16p:, ill.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/7149
ISSN: 23105496
Appears in Collections:Department of Geography & Regional Planning

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